Shorecrest at March for Our Lives

Published 3/30/2018

by Kira Held ‘20

Shorecrest sophomore Kira Held was inspired to take action after she heard a speech from Parkland Shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez. “She is not that much older than I am and after I saw her stepping up, I thought, ‘Why can't I?’ Additionally, I had just finished writing my ‘This I Believe’ speech for English class on how my generation needs to be informed and take action. I wanted to practice what I preach,” Kira explained.

Kira reached out to several Shorecrest administrators to see how they could help her stand up for her beliefs. “They were all so supportive and helped organize the school's participation in the Tampa Bay March for Our Lives. It was an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life!" Kira mused. "There was such a wonderful energy at the March. Not everyone shared the exact same opinions, but they all recognized that we have a problem and were motivated to do something about it. The crowd seemed to extend forever. It was empowering to be surrounded by all those like minded and passionate people. The speeches and performances truly inspired me to continue. I don’t intend for the March to be the end of my activism. I have a few more exciting things planned for the future.”

Eleven Shorecrest students were joined at the March for Our Lives by Headmaster Mike Murphy and Upper School History teacher Ron Heller.